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Introduction

Browne's setting of Ben Jonson’s ambitious poem Epitaph on Salathiel Pavy (subtitled ‘A Child of Queen Elizabeth’s Chapel’), was conceived as a companion piece to ‘Diaphenia’. It relates the tale of a thirteen-year-old chorister who also excelled as an actor, the poet’s conceit being that the child acted an old man so well that the Fates took him to be one and death ensued. The music has the character of a slow, sad dance, like a Pavan, with an extended arched, lamenting melody in the unusual time signatures of 10/4 or 12/4. Elizabethan influences are again apparent, whilst the verses are bound together by a ritornello with a portentous descending chromatic bass and ascending triads, symbols respectively of a summons to the grave, and a gasping for life.

Recordings

This recital draws its inspiration from those lives upturned by the Great War, whether soldier or civilian. Alongside established works, the programme introduces little known songs which portray the humanity of those caught up in the torrent of wa ...» More

'An indispensable collection for those who know the repertoire; a revelation to those who do not' (Gramophone)'If you enjoy English song, this set is a must … The singers are Britain's best, and their excellence is matched by the accompaniments of Cliffor ...» More

'An indispensable collection for those who know the repertoire; a revelation to those who do not' (Gramophone)'If you enjoy English song, this set is a must … the singers are Britain's best, and their excellence is matched by the accompaniments of Cliffor ...» More

Details

Weep with me all ye that read
This little story:
And know, for whom a tear you shed,
Death’s self is sorry.
’Twas a child, that so did thrive
In grace, and feature,
As Heaven and Nature seemed to strive
Which owned the creature.
Years he numbered scarce thirteen
When Fates turned cruel,
Yet three filled zodiacs had he been
The stage’s jewel;
And did act (what now we moan)
Old men so duly,
As, sooth, the Parcae thought him one,
He played so truly.
So, by error, to his fate
They all consented;

But viewing him since (alas, too late)
They have repented.
And have sought (to give new birth)
In baths to steep him:
But, being so much too good for earth,
Heaven vows to keep him.

Weep with me all ye that read
This little story:
And know, for whom a tear you shed,
Death’s self is sorry.
’Twas a child, that so did thrive
In grace, and feature,
As Heaven and Nature seemed to strive
Which owned the creature.
Years he numbered scarce thirteen
When Fates turned cruel,
Yet three filled zodiacs had he been
The stage’s jewel;
And did act (what now we moan)
Old men so duly,
As, sooth, the Parcae thought him one,
He played so truly.
So, by error, to his fate
They all consented;

But viewing him since (alas, too late)
They have repented.
And have sought (to give new birth)
In baths to steep him:
But, being so much too good for earth,
Heaven vows to keep him.

Weep with me all ye that read
This little story:
And know, for whom a tear you shed,
Death’s self is sorry.
’Twas a child, that so did thrive
In grace, and feature,
As Heaven and Nature seemed to strive
Which owned the creature.
Years he numbered scarce thirteen
When Fates turned cruel,
Yet three filled zodiacs had he been
The stage’s jewel;
And did act (what now we moan)
Old men so duly,
As, sooth, the Parcae thought him one,
He played so truly.
So, by error, to his fate
They all consented;

But viewing him since (alas, too late)
They have repented.
And have sought (to give new birth)
In baths to steep him:
But, being so much too good for earth,
Heaven vows to keep him.

Ben Jonson (1572-1637)

William Denis Browne (1888-1915) attended Rugby school on scholarship. He was commissioned into the British Royal Naval Division in September 1914. After the aborted Antwerp Expedition he joined the force heading to Gallipoli. In May 1915 Browne was wounded. He spent a month recuperating before rejoining the battle where he died after being wounded again. His body was never recovered.

Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was one of the most influential playwrights and poets in British history. He was a well cultured man of the English renaissance whose satirical and comedy writing is still lauded. Jonson fought with English Regiments in Flanders before returning to London where he joined the acting group, Admiral’s Men. At home he continued to fight and was briefly jailed for killing a man in a duel. Jonson found a patron in King James I and saw his plays performed on the London stage. His followers, who made up the ‘Tribe of Ben’, included poets Richard Lovelace and Robert Herrick.